Plea in the works for man accused of impersonating High Park firefighter

Michael Stillman Maher charged in Larimer County, under investigation in Jefferson County

By Pamela Dickman Reporter-Herald Staff Writer

Posted:
06/25/2012 11:24:08 AM MDT

FORT COLLINS - A Denver man accused of impersonating a firefighter during two Colorado wildfires appeared in 8th Judicial District Court on Monday with his attorney, Dan Recht.

Recht asked Judge Stephen Howard to schedule a hearing at least 30 days out for a possible disposition for Michael Stillman Maher - charged with several felonies in Larimer County and under investigation for similar allegations in Jefferson County.

Maher is out on $15,000 bond on charges of impersonating a firefighter, theft, obstructing officials and attempting to influence a public servant in Larimer County.

The Sheriff's Office said he crossed into the restricted High Park fire area wearing the same clothing as firefighters, with phony credentials and in a truck with stolen government plates and stole food and supplies from the cache for those working the fire. He even posted a picture on Facebook of him in his gear at the High Park fire posing with Gov. John Hickenlooper.

However, Maher is not a firefighter and was arrested at a LaPorte bar.

Jefferson County officials said Larimer County officials found property in his truck that had been stolen from the Lower North Fork fire in Jefferson County in March. Later, authorities found more of the fire gear, equipment and food stolen during that fire in Maher's home, according to officials.

The supplies, valued at $2,400, were reported stolen in April.

Maher has not entered a plea to the charges, but his attorney issued a statement saying that he wanted to be a firefighter and that he was trying to help on the fires without the proper authority.

Additional charges are pending in Jefferson County, and Maher has an extensive criminal history with misdemeanor convictions for sexual assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, domestic violence and falsely reporting a crime.